What characterizes vertical integration in hospitals?

Vertical integration in hospitals is characterized by the inclusion of differing levels of care under one system. This means that a health care organization, such as a hospital, expands its services to include a continuum of care, which may encompass primary care, specialty care, and rehabilitation, as well as other related services.

By integrating various levels of care, the organization can provide comprehensive services that allow for improved patient management, streamlined processes, and enhanced communication between different care levels. This integration helps eliminate gaps in care, reduces patient fragmentation, and can lead to better health outcomes overall.

In contrast, the other choices do not capture the essence of vertical integration. Consolidating same-level institutions pertains to horizontal integration, while increased patient transfers and standardization of services do not specifically define the integration of varying levels of care within a single system. Therefore, focusing on the integration of differing levels of care underscores the core principle of vertical integration in the health care context.